Dramatic Drone Rescue in Pensacola: Fisherman Saves Girl from Rip Current
PENSACOLA, Fla. — What started as a typical day of shark fishing turned into a heart-stopping rescue off the Pensacola coast when Andrew Smith, a drone enthusiast, spotted a girl in distress. Employing his SwellPro Fisherman Max drone, Smith initially intended to scout for sharks but became a hero after hearing cries for help from the water.
“I heard a girl screaming, ‘Can anybody swim?’” recalled Smith. Recognizing the urgency of the situation but acknowledging his inability to swim, he quickly grabbed an emergency life preserver available on the beach. Despite a missed initial attempt to drop the device, his second effort succeeded. The girl grasped the preserver, prompting cheers from bystanders as they witnessed the unfolding rescue.
Thanks to Smith’s swift actions, emergency responders were alerted and arrived promptly to bring the girl safely back to shore. Her father reached out to Smith afterward, emotionally expressing his gratitude. “Her dad called me actually crying and thanking me,” Smith recounted, highlighting how his quick-thinking had made a difference.
Smith aims to share an essential message about beach safety and the significance of respecting ocean conditions. He encourages beachgoers to heed posted flag warnings and stay vigilant while swimming. As for his future drone launches, Smith hopes they will focus solely on fishing rather than emergencies.
This incident serves as a testament to the innovative use of technology in life-saving situations and the importance of community awareness. The Pensacola coast may now have one more advocate for both drone safety and the respectful enjoyment of ocean activities.
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